Prime Minister Narendra Modi departed for the Russian city of Kazan today to attend the 16th BRICS Summit, marking a significant diplomatic event for India. The summit, hosted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, will bring together leaders from BRICS nations, including China’s President Xi Jinping, for crucial discussions on global issues. The two-day visit, which begins today, highlights India’s pivotal role in shaping the future of BRICS and strengthening multilateral ties amid ongoing global conflicts.
Bilateral Meeting with Putin and Other BRICS Leaders
Upon his arrival in Kazan, PM Modi will hold a bilateral meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin, a significant engagement given the current geopolitical landscape. This meeting is expected to set the tone for India’s participation in the summit. In addition to his discussions with Putin, Modi is scheduled to meet other BRICS leaders, underscoring India’s commitment to multilateral cooperation within the bloc. The summit is also an opportunity for Modi to engage in a series of high-level bilateral talks on the sidelines, further reinforcing India’s diplomatic ties with member nations.
The Significance of India’s Role in BRICS
Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri highlighted the importance of India’s role in BRICS, particularly in areas like economic growth, sustainable development, and global governance reforms. Addressing the media ahead of PM Modi’s visit, Misri emphasized that India, as a founding member of BRICS, has been an active participant in its activities since its inception. “India brings great value to BRICS, and its contributions have played a vital role in shaping the forum’s efforts,” Misri stated. He added that India views BRICS as a key platform for expressing global multipolarity and tackling a wide range of global challenges.
The theme of the 2024 summit, Strengthening Multilateralism for Just Global Development and Security, aligns with India’s vision for a more inclusive and balanced global order. Modi’s presence at the summit will further solidify India’s position as a key player in shaping international policies, particularly in light of the growing influence of BRICS on global governance.
A Summit Amidst Global Conflicts
This year’s BRICS summit takes place against the backdrop of several international conflicts, adding complexity to the discussions. Misri reiterated that India values BRICS as a forum for addressing global challenges and fostering a more equitable international order. The expansion of BRICS, which saw the inclusion of new members like Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, and the UAE earlier this year, further highlights the forum’s growing relevance.
The summit in Kazan, which begins on October 22, will feature two main sessions: a closed plenary in the morning and an open plenary in the afternoon, both focusing on the summit’s central theme. One of the key outcomes will be the adoption of the Kazan Declaration, which is expected to outline the future path for BRICS. This document is currently being negotiated, and its final form will reflect the collective priorities of the BRICS nations. PM Modi will return to India on October 23, following the main events of the summit.
India’s Potential Call for Peace Amidst the Ukraine Conflict
While the foreign secretary did not confirm whether PM Modi would address the ongoing Ukraine conflict during the summit, there is speculation that Modi may advocate for peace, based on his recent diplomatic efforts in Moscow and Kyiv. India’s stance has consistently been one of urging dialogue and peaceful resolution, and the BRICS summit could provide Modi with a platform to further these efforts. Given the critical nature of the conflict, Modi’s engagement on this issue could have significant diplomatic implications, particularly as the war continues to impact global security and economic stability.
Key Bilateral Meetings on the Sidelines
In addition to the summit’s plenary sessions, PM Modi is expected to hold several important bilateral meetings. Although details are still being finalized, these engagements will be crucial in strengthening India’s relations with BRICS member states and other key global players. Notably, Modi is expected to meet Iranian President Pezeshkian, where discussions are likely to focus on the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Modi may express India’s concern over the loss of civilian lives and call for a ceasefire, emphasizing the need to prevent the conflict from escalating further in the West Asia region.
A Legacy of BRICS Diplomacy
Since its formation in 2006, BRICS has grown into a significant force in global diplomacy. The group held its first summit in Yekaterinburg, Russia, in 2009, and has since expanded to include South Africa, becoming BRICS. The forum has played a pivotal role in shaping global economic and political policies, with India at the forefront of its initiatives. The recent expansion of BRICS further underscores its importance, as it now includes major economies from Africa and the Middle East.
PM Modi’s visit to Kazan for the BRICS summit is a testament to India’s commitment to fostering global cooperation and addressing pressing international issues. As India continues to play a vital role in shaping the future of BRICS, Modi’s leadership at the summit will be closely watched by the international community.
(With inputs from agencies)
